Definition of: catastasis

(kə·tas′tə·sis) noun plural ·ses (-sēz)
1. In the ancient drama, the heightened part of the action that prepares for the catastrophe.
2. In oratory, the exordium of a speech, especially the part designed to conciliate the audience. [<Gk. katastasis settled condition <kata- down + stasis a settling <histanai stand]